Cozy Ground Beef Soup

A bowl of beef and vegetable soup makes a satisfying supper without a long shopping list. This version combines minced beef, tomatoes, carrots, celery and small pasta in one pot. Serve it with bread for mopping up the broth.

A note on timing: the original image calls this a 30-minute recipe. Allow around 45–55 minutes including chopping, bringing the soup to a simmer and cooking the pasta. The timing is an estimate, not a tested guarantee.

The recipe

Makes approximately 4 generous portions · One large saucepan

Ingredients

450g lean minced beef
1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, cut into small pieces
2 celery sticks, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
950ml beef stock, plus extra water or stock as needed
1 × 400g tin chopped tomatoes, including the juice
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
100g small pasta shapes
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Method

Brown the beef. Heat a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for about 6–8 minutes. Carefully spoon off excess fat.
Soften the vegetables. Add a little oil if the pan is dry, followed by the onion, carrot and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the broth. Stir in the stock, tomatoes and herbs. Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Simmer gently. Bring to a simmer, cover loosely and cook for about 15 minutes. Check that the vegetables are becoming tender.
Cook the pasta. Add the pasta and simmer uncovered for the time on its packet, usually around 8–10 minutes. Stir regularly and add more liquid if needed. Make sure the beef is thoroughly cooked and the soup is steaming hot throughout.
Finish and serve. Taste before adding salt, especially if your stock is already salty. Add black pepper and serve in warm bowls.

Make it suit your kitchen

Smaller carrot pieces cook more quickly than thick slices. Use whichever small pasta you have, checking its packet rather than relying on a fixed cooking time. For a looser soup, add a splash of hot stock near the end.

Check ingredient labels for allergens: pasta commonly contains wheat and may contain egg; stock may contain celery or other allergens. Use suitable alternatives where needed.

Planning for leftovers

Pasta continues to absorb broth as it sits. If you are cooking ahead, cook it separately and add it to individual servings. See our freezing and reheating guide before storing a batch.

Food safety reference: Food Standards Agency: cooking your food.